Scoliosis

The spine is the main structural support and communications line for the human body. At Back to Health Chiropractic in Santa Clarita and Valencia, California, Dr. Carolyn Griffin and Dr. Roger De Sesa place great emphasis on maintaining proper posture for good back health. Scoliosis is the sideways curving of the spine that interferes with good posture and Back To Health Chiropractic can help with diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis before it can cause other health problems.

Scoliosis Q & A

What causes scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a common development that occurs in the late stages of childhood to the early stages of adolescence. This is due to the rapid pace in which young teens grow, which can lead to slight curvatures in the spine.

Girls are more prone to developing scoliosis than boys and scoliosis is known to run in families. Some less common causes of scoliosis are neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy, birth defects, and injury.

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Children are usually tested early on to identify any visual irregularities in the shape of their spines. Some symptoms include:

Leaning to one side or the other in a neutral stance

Uneven alignment of shoulders or hips

Uneven rib cage protrusion: One side extending further out than the other

Uneven shoulder-blade protrusion: One side extending further out than the other

If you think any of your family members may be experiencing symptoms of scoliosis come to Back to Health Chiropractic for a full diagnosis. Identifying scoliosis early on is important to maintaining a healthy back and preventing further damage.

How is scoliosis treated?

Scoliosis treatment is based on the severity of the curvature, its likelihood for getting worse, and and the age of the patient. Minor curvatures will be monitored with periodic x-rays to insure that this condition doesn’t get worse. Mild and severe cases can be treated with corrective braces or if the situation is extreme, spinal straightening surgery. It’s imperative for you to regularly see your healthcare provider even with a minor curvature, as cases can worsen over time.

What are some effects of scoliosis?

The effects of scoliosis vary depending on the severity of the curvature. Minor to mild scoliosis can lead to an imbalance in hip or shoulder alignment or a neutral position that favors leaning to one side. Some severe cases of scoliosis can lead to:

Chronic back pain

Disfigurement

Improper functioning of the lungs and heart: Due to the rib cage pressing on them